Over the years, it has emerged that divorce is not only a traumatic experience for the concerned spouses, but also for their child or children. Indeed, it could be worse for the children since they have no control over their lives. The impact of divorce on children is mainly psychological, since they have to adjust mentally to their parents’ separation.

In order to understand the impact of divorce on children, it is essential to reflect on the circumstances surrounding divorce. To begin with, children realize that their lives will change after the divorce, but they do not know how. This experience can be quite frightening for the children. Moreover, the children have to cope with the constant changes in the family. As is the case with divorce, contact with one of the parents will be reduced. Further, the children may also have to relocate from their home or move to new schools. Depending on the circumstances of the divorce, the children may have a lower standard of living. As a result, they could be burdened with more responsibilities, such as housework. In some cases, the children maybe separated, thus some may live with their father while others live with their mother. Further, due to the stress that comes with divorce, the custodial parent may be psychologically and physically unavailable to the children’s demands. All these experiences normally have a negative impact on the children, which is manifested in various ways.

The impact of divorce on children normally depends on their age, gender and disposition. A preschooler’s reaction to divorce as well as the ability to comprehend his or her parents’ divorce differs from that of an adolescent. Owing to limited cognitive abilities, preschoolers are usually bewildered by their parents’ divorce. Additionally, they do not have sufficient coping skills to deal with the changes resulting from divorce. In view of this, they will have more problems adjusting to the divorce than older children. They may also feel as though their parents’ divorce is their fault. The preschoolers may also become clingy and insecure, fearing abandonment by the custodial parent.

The impact of divorce on children between the ages of six to eight differs from that of the preschoolers. Although less likely to think that they are to blame for the divorce, they nevertheless experience grief over losing contact with one parent. Older children aged from nine to twelve years have a better understanding of their parents’ divorce. They may consciously express their anger towards their parents, and may take the side of one parent. The impact of divorce on adolescents differs noticeably from that of the younger children, in that both the boys and girls react differently to the divorce. Girls may become withdrawn and anxious, while boys become disobedient and aggressive.  Interestingly North Dakota has the lowest U.S. divorce rate, while Nevada Divorce rates are the highest, 6.6 per 1000 people

The impact of divorce on children is worse if there are constant conflicts between the parents. However, if the parents have an amicable relationship, children will be able to adjust to divorce without many problems. Given the importance of parental relationships to children after divorce, parents should prioritize the children’s needs in order to facilitate their adjustment after divorce. Parents going through divorce may want to consider the investment in a quaility length, 12 hour parenting class.  Such programs will teach improved coping skills and more adaptive ways of handling the transition.

Raising a child doesn't come with an guide or handbook, so people are left with the debate over what makes the best parents. What are the the best ways to raise a child? Many believe that having religion built into their lives is the best way to be a great parent, others say the complete opposite, while others still say a firm hand and an extended education are what's needed.

Honestly, there are as many ways to raise a child as there are parents who raise them, that will never change. We all have had different experiences that we bring into parenthood, as does the person we have that child with. That combination of experiences and emotions will mix together to create an all new parenting experience. The best lessons that give a child that much needed solid foundation will always be a constant, though the means will always be different.

Trust but Verify
Regardless of how this lesson is learned, either through religion or parental lessons, the idea of trusting but verifying is a common principle that must be taught. It won't be as easy as telling him or her to trust but verify what they see, hear, or know. This is a lesson that will have to be witnessed by the child and explained by the parent. The idea of listening to opinion but determining the facts on your own research is becoming completely lost among the world of instant news and information. Knowing how to find the truth after hearing the rumors is a vital part of finding out who you are. Without the ideas formed by their own research, they may only agree with others concepts without actually forming any concepts or ideas of their own.

Tell the Truth
Another of the much needed building blocks of raising a healthy child and makes the best parents is teaching them to always tell the truth. This is a skill that kids are born with, the blunt truth. It is the social norms and the realization of fear that gets people to start lying. By teaching your child that there is never an excuse to lie, you will be practicing the methods that make a better parent.

Pure Time
The most important features of knowing what makes the best parents is, simply, spending time with your kids. Just spending time with your kids will instill them with the idea that you are going to be there for them whenever they need. More over, you can't teach the vital lessons they need to know without spending the ample time with them to do so.  If you don't spend enough time with your kids, they may  feel abandoned or even not loved. Making time in your schedule for your kids may seem basic, but it is one of the most crucial things to do, when wanting to know what makes the best parents. Don't use the excuse of location to dictate the type of parent you are.  Even parents in Chicago where its cold and windy can outshine parents in warmer more temperate climates.  Parenting has to do with skills and love.

A Proper Diet
Knowing how to feed your kids a proper diet, without over eating on fast-food or snacks, can easily can keep them healthy and their immune system strong. Most kids never want to eat their vegetables, but there are several ways to make this an appealing food. Use your imagination and your kids will eat a great diet and completely enjoy it.

These are just a few ways and lessons that parents should be teaching their kids to make sure they have the best chance possible at a long and fulfilling life.  Gaining new tips and skills can also be found in parenting classes online.  Taking a program might be a life changing experience.

When you think of a parenting class, the first thing that comes to mind is driving across town to sit in a crowded, poorly lit classroom, as you listen to a droning “instructor” that really knows no more about parenting than you do. This doesn't have to be the case. Parenting classes can be fun, fast, and convenient. That's where online parenting classes come in.

Online parenting classes can be done in your home, or anywhere you have an internet connection and a laptop or desktop. This simple and small fact cuts out commute times and saves on gas, energy, and even the environment from your car's Co2 emissions. Not only does it do all that, but it cuts back on the stress of dealing with traffic before having to open your mind to learn. Stress can be the number one de-motivator for getting anything done.

When compared to the standard live classroom, the online classes are faster in the sense that the classes are usually quicker and can be taken in whatever sized segments you want. The required sitting time at any one session is completely up to you. When you do choose to be in the online classroom, moving through the materials is also much faster and easier. There's no more flipping through the pages trying to figure out what page and paragraph you were on, or what tiny bit of information the instructor is referring to. Online parenting classes have an easy way to manage user systems and indexing methods to  help you look up just the right page and words right when you need them.

Online parenting classes are also very convenient because of that ease of materials. There is no frustration when trying to find the right information online. Just do an index search or glossary search and the information will find itself. The convenience of doing these classes in home is not only faster, but there is no worry about when you can get up to go to the bathroom, or stop class for any reason. It also makes you more comfortable and open minded to the experience. If you're relaxed and open-minded, that will make you more likely to learn the new information that is being put in front of you.

The final factor is, actually, the fun factor. Taking online parenting classes may not seem like it would have much fun involved in it, but that has been a common misconception for quite some time. The  eventual virtual role playing and personalities that are portrayed on screen incorporate a little bit of video game-like fun for the student. The fun of learning new and different ideas how to help your child succeed and grow is always a fun aspect of online parenting classes for any parent. The worksheets are also surprisingly revealing for you, making it a fun experience to have and look back on. Whether you need parenting classes in Texas, or a parent class in Washington, legitimate online programs are an excellent choice.

As you can see, the idea of online parenting classes has been streamlined and maximized for the students greater good. Online classes are fast, fun, and convenient for anyone wanting to escape the uncomfortable stares and situations that the traditional live parenting classes cause. Online parenting classes are a great option, and one of the best ways to get a different view on parental education than your own. 

Learning how to communicate better with your children can be one of the trickiest things a parent can pull off. Trying to get a message or rule through to your kids, even simple communication, can be frustrating to the best parents. The simple goal of communicating with your kids and having them clearly communicate back with you can be near impossible for many families. 

Taking parenting classes can often make people think they are going to have someone talking down to them in or making them feel like they aren't a good enough parent. This isn't necessarily the case, people, even parents, make mistakes. Taking a parenting class to help you learn to communicate better with your children can be one of the best and most responsible things you can do for you and your children.

In reality, the classes can teach you, as a parent, more than one new method to communicate better with your children. Some people don't understand how parenting classes will help improve your communication with your child, some find it nearly insulting that they have to take a class to help them talk with your kids. 

It can be a good idea to get your child involved in the class, especially if you choose to do the online version of the classes. The classes will help them learn how to communicate with you better, as well as give you tips on how to see their attempts at communication. Missing your child's best attempts at a talk can be the number one means of miscommunication.

Realizing when they need your communication, even when they reject it at first, is something that every parent needs to learn. Parenting classes will help you spot these times and give you the means to effectively tell your kids what you are thinking and get as much information from them as you possibly can.

 Usually the local city governments will have monthly classes. These live classes will will take 1 to 7 days, depending on the amount of parenting classes you feel you desire or need. There are also the more modern online parenting classes which are excellent option for people who would rather attend and take the class during their free time or together with their children, from home.

There will be role playing, in traditional live classes and online classes, that will give you some of the basic experience that you will need to know. Knowing where to start with your child with any conversation is the key point of communication. Besides being taught the fine art of starting a conversation with your kids, there will be work sheets and information that will teach you how to read your child's behavior and body language. This will give you an extra hand so that you know when you should act and when you should let them figure things out for themselves.

These simple tips will help you learn to communicate better with your child. The lessons you learn in class will be easier to absorb and remember when you keep these tips in mind. The best ideas when learning to communicate better with your kids are: you have to keep an open mind to others suggestions and tips; get your child involved with you in the class; use and master the role playing workshops. Phoenix, Arizona, Porland, Oregon, and Denver, Colorado are the 3 most sought after states for parenting programs.

Finding one of the traditional style parenting classes can be done through your local city hall or simple internet search. Some of these classes will even by done by the hour, it's not always necessary to take these classes for days and days, under the right circumstances the proper results can be achieved in just a few class hours.

For most parents having a child is a learning experience that never stops. Improving that learning curve can be one of the few things that has an immediate return on your child's well-being and happiness. To help you, the parent, improve that learning curve, here are 6 great ways to improve your parenting skills.

Trust but Verify

Trusting your child is something that is easier said than done. To do this, trust what your child does and says, but verify it as well. When you do that, it allows the opportunity for the parent to know if they can trust their child. With each time that the verification turns out to be accurate, a little more trust can be afforded. Using this rule to trust but verify will open your eyes to your child's behavior and ability to tell the truth.

Listen to your Kids

Simply by listening to what you children have to say, you can show them how much you care and how much you need them. Many parents use the idea that they are to busy and their kid's cries, complaints, and even cheers can fall on deaf ears. Simply by listening to your kids, you'll learn their strengths, their weakness, what makes them happy and what makes them sad.

Act as a Role Model

A child's first role model and influence is their parent. For example, how the parent react to anger will show the child or children how they should react to anger. If you see yourself reacting or behaving in such a way that you wouldn't want your child to repeat it, then it's a clear sign that it's time to change you behavior a bit. 

If you make a poor role model for your kids, then chances are they can make an even worse role model for their friends and their own future children. It's important to instill the proper ethics by being the best role model for them that you can be.

Make Rules and Stick to Them

The best tool that a parent can have is making rules and sticking to them. It can be something as no snacks after a certain time to disciplining them, you have to make your rules and keep them. By making rules and sticking to them, you'll be able to show your children that your rules won't be broken. If you do break your own rules and let things slide, then the kids will learn that rules are made to be broken. That accidental lesson could lead them into all kinds of trouble later in life.

Show them Affection

Show your children you love them by showing affection. Depending on the age, this can be a confusing situation for a parent. As a young child, it can be as simple as giving them a hug and telling them you love them every day. When they get older, say into their teens, they don't want so much public affection and will take offense to it.

When they're older, an occasional hug as they leave for the day and telling them you love them can still have a huge impact. Constant hugging, as you may have done when they were a child, will no longer be acceptable.

Quality Time

One of the most important factors of raising a productive child is to spend quality time with them. Making time in your schedule for your children will show them through actions that you love them. Many parents say they are too busy to keep up, or they are working to much to make time for their kids. These reasons not to make time will cause children to question if their mother or father loves them. Never give your kids the chance to question your love for them, make time and make them feel truly loved.

Parents may find relief and encouragement from parenting classes online.  The most standard program is the 4 hour parenting class.  While many people take these classes for personal growth, others may take them for a court ordered parenting requirement.  Either way, the educational experience will be well work the time and money spent.